Monday, June 11, 2007

Kendo. Remember that thing?

I went by the tournament to catch up with some of my old dojo buddies. The friendships I made in Kendo have lasted far longer than my sword skills. I was surprised to see familiar faces from my beginner days, including some who had strayed from the sport but came back to try again. A lot of people didn't recognize me without my heavy indigo and armour outfit (the short hair and smaller dress size confused them, too). "HOLY SHIT, Andrea??!?!" was the standard reaction.

For months and months, I've been thinking about trying Kendo again. On one hand, I miss the camaraderie, the personal growth and the intense cardio workout. On the other, I didn't enjoy the injuries or the disappointment of being unskilled. Even when I was unemployed and was training hard four days a week, I made little progress. If I could find a club where I could practice with people my own age without the pressure to win tournaments, I would be set. As it is, I haven't come to a decision about what to do...